Gender Inclusion and the Impact on Women's Lives in Post Disaster Build Back Better Programmes in Sri Lanka

This paper focuses on consideration and inclusion of gender, specifically, aspects in relation to women in post-disaster rebuilding strategies and policies in Trincomalee and Batticaloa Districts in Sri Lanka. It explores whether gender concerns were addressed within the context of the Build Back Better Programmes and examines the prospects for promoting livelihood opportunities, household incomes, and community benefits. The objectives of the paper are to examine the development of the gender inclusivity agenda in Sri Lanka, explore gender in the context of disaster events, and the impact of gender-responsive programs on the livelihoods of women. Women's participation and engagement in decision-making and the potential contribution of their micro incomes on household earnings are also discussed. The research mainly adopts a qualitative methodology, relying on literature and case study reviews complemented by quantitative data collected by government and international agencies in relation to the location. Policy documents and data sets related to gender inclusion in South Asia, focusing on Sri Lanka and the chosen locations, Trincomalee and Batticaloa, were analyzed. Three case studies were selected and reviewed in detail against their aims, objectives, results, and benefits. An inductive approach was used for the analysis to identify themes that were common or different in the case study examples. These themes were related to the impact on women's engagement and livelihoods in post-disaster contexts. The result and information show that gender inclusion has not advanced considerably. While foundations for gender equity and inclusion are laid, many more progressive initiatives and development protocols are needed to mainstream gender inclusion in post-disaster development programmes. It is expected that findings will provide a deeper understanding of gender inclusion in redevelopment activities and the related governance processes to engage women and respond to their needs with the available resources.